Gibbes tight-lipped on Schmidt succession stakes

Jonno Gibbes has refused to be drawn on whether or not he is interested in succeeding Joe Schmidt at Leinster if the latter’s coronation as Ireland’s head coach is given the expected thumbs up by the IRFU.

Gibbes has been forwards coach at the province since 2008. He has played a major part in capturing three Heineken Cups under Michael Cheika and Schmidt after a playing career in which he featured for Waikato, the Chiefs and New Zealand Gibbes, who claimed he had not considered the possibility of a promotion, was far more forthcoming on another matter perched on everyone’s lips this week: namely, who will start at ten against Biarritz in Saturday’s Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final.

Ian Madigan delivered a string of virtuoso performances at out-half for Leinster during Sexton’s lengthy absence as a result of Six Nations duties and injury before the latter returned for Sunday’s RaboDirect win away to Zebre.

“It’s a really good situation to have,” said Gibbes. “Obviously Jonny’s disappointed at being injured while Mads is delighted at taking the opportunity and he’s progressed really well.

“I thought (Jonny) was great value on Sunday, coming back from a long lay-off, and showed a few glimpses. It’s a really tough situation for Joe (Schmidt) and I’d hate to be in his shoes.”

Both men will be afforded the opportunity to run plays in training this week before a definitive decision is made tomorrow and it is an intriguing choice between Madigan’s unpredictability and line breaks and Sexton’s more proven ability to orchestrate.

“He’s got the experience, he’s a proven performer at Test level,” Gibbes said when asked about Sexton. “He’s a class act and obviously that’s a massive attribute for the team to have. Mads’ contributions have been great as well so it’s about trying to harness both of those and look at ways to use both of those strengths.”

Leinster are approaching the weekend in good shape. Richardt Strauss is expected to feature despite suffering a stamp on his left hand in Italy while a plethora of current internationals — and Leo Cullen — rested for that trip will return to the mix. Among them will be Fergus McFadden who came through his comeback game successfully although Dave Kearney will again miss out. The wing has yet to return to training after being hospitalised following to the incident involving Paul O’Connell.